Types of Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma, also known as chronic or primary glaucoma, is one of the most common forms of the disease. It develops slowly over time due to too much fluid being produced, or not enough fluid being drained through the trabecular meshwork (the drainage canals that funnel fluid out of the anterior chamber between the corneal and iris).
The chronic increase in fluid raises your intraocular pressure (IOP), which can cause permanent damage to your optic nerve.
Open-angle glaucoma develops asymptomatically; however, it can be detected by an optometrist or ophthalmologist during a comprehensive eye exam. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, your eye care provider will recommend a treatment program to help protect your eyes from possible vision loss.
Normal-tension glaucoma occurs when your optic nerve becomes damaged, but your IOP levels do not rise. Factors such as poor blood flow to your optic nerve may be a contributor.
Unlike open-angle glaucoma, acute angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle between the cornea and iris becomes chronically or suddenly blocked. This completely halts the drainage of the aqueous humour and can rapidly raise the IOP. Symptoms include the sudden onset of blurry vision, headache, eye pain, and nausea.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is considered to be a medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately to prevent permanent vision loss. If you believe you may be suffering from acute-angle closure glaucoma, please visit your nearest emergency room.
